At the 2020 EU/WB Summit in Zagreb organized as video conference, the leaders of EU members-states, the presidents of European Council, European Parliament and European Commission, and the heads of states and governments from the Western Balkans adopted and accepted a joint declaration wherein the European Union reiterates its unequivocal support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans.

The Western Balkans belong in the European Union and we have special responsibility in that regard was the encouraging message for the region’s integration in the Union, shared by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen after the Summit.

“The Western Balkans belong in the EU. There is no question for us about this”, stated Commission President von der Leyen.

However, the region still needs to continue with reforms.

“[…] governments in the region will need to continue to deliver on reforms, particularly in the area of the rule of law and the fight against corruption, functioning of the democratic institutions and public administration. This means tackling corruption and organized crime, where we want to see clear track-record established”, underlined Commission President von der Leyen.

Identical expectations for the region were shared by European Council President Charles Michel, directly referring to good neighbourly relations and indicating agreements signed by Macedonia with Greece and with Bulgaria.

“We welcomed progress made in calming tensions in the region, primarily with the Prespa Agreement between North Macedonia and Greece, and the Friendship Agreement between North Macedonia and Bulgaria. Implementation of these agreements is very important in creating positive momentum and achieving results”, said Charles Michel.

The Zagreb Declaration calls to unity and solidarity in fighting the pandemic. In that regard, the European Union stands by its partners in the Western Balkans and remains committed to actively support their efforts to combat the coronavirus outbreak and its impacts on societies and economies.

Moreover, the joint declaration emphasizes that the European Union and the Western Balkans are together fighting the coronavirus outbreak and consequences from the COVID-19 pandemic. The European Union has mobilized a package of more than 3.3 billion euros for the Western Balkans. These funds, in addition to post-pandemic recovery, are intended as immediate support to the health sector and for social and economic recovery needs in countries from the region. Additional support is envisaged under the package of 750 million euros in macro-financial assistance and 1.7 billion euros from the European Investment Bank.

The Summit Declaration underlines that the ongoing pandemic demonstrates how the EU and the Western Balkans tackle common challenges together. This cooperation includes joint procurements and unrestricted access to protective personal equipment, ensuring fast flow of essential good through the Green Lanes linking the EU and the Western Balkans, supply by the EU of coronavirus tests in the Western Balkans, and close cooperation with relevant health bodies.

By endorsing the declaration, partners from the EU and the Western Balkans commit to safe, strong, stable and united Europe, underpinned by historical, cultural and geographical ties and protection of mutually accepted political, security and economic interests.

Link to the Zagreb Declaration